Etihad announces new direct New York cargo service

Effective October 26, 2006, Etihad Airways’ new direct service between Abu Dhabi and New York will provide a significant boost for its cargo division, Etihad Crystal Cargo.

‘The launch of the service between Abu Dhabi ’ New York is fantastic news for Etihad Crystal Cargo. It offers our customers a direct, over-night service to/from the US and beyond ’ connecting the cargo via our Abu Dhabi hub to our rapidly expanding network,’ said Ingo Roessler, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Airways.

Etihad Crystal Cargo has been selling cargo to the US since April 2004 when it appointed Platinum Air Cargo as its General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for the United States.

So far, the shipments have been transported to/from the US with interline partners via London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Frankfurt, Toronto to the United States.

Since starting the services, nearly 2.7 million kilos of over 4,000 consignments have been moved from the US. A major increase is expected with the launch of the new direct service.

‘This year to date, we have transported over one million kilos from the US. This direct service will further boost the volume as it allows us to offer our customers a 24-36 hour service across the Etihad network’ added Don Cochran, President, Platinum Air Cargo.

The shipments being transported to/from the US and beyond, primarily to Asia and the Indian Sub-continent, consist of oil field parts, machinery, garments and all types of consumer goods.

To support Etihad Crystal Cargo’s growth in the US, Platinum Air Cargo has already established four offices in the US, including an office in New York, with a further five offices planned to be opened soon.